21 Injured After Massive Five-Alarm Inferno Rips Through Three Buildings

A massive five-alarm fire tore through three buildings in Queens on Saturday, injuring 21 people, including 19 firefighters and emergency responders.

The blaze erupted shortly after 9:50 a.m. inside a first-floor residence in the 132-15 block of 41st Road, between College Point Boulevard and Frame Place, according to the FDNY.

Flames spread rapidly, forcing fire officials to call for additional manpower as conditions worsened. The fire eventually reached two neighboring buildings, and a fifth alarm was issued shortly before noon.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control shortly after 1:10 p.m., though crews remained at the scene for hours afterward conducting additional operations.

A staggering 84 units and approximately 270 FDNY firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the emergency.

Officials said 21 people were injured in the fire. Two were civilians, including one who suffered critical injuries and another who sustained minor injuries. Both were transported to nearby hospitals.

The other 19 injured people were FDNY firefighters and EMS workers. Authorities did not immediately disclose the extent of their injuries, but they were also taken to hospitals for treatment.

As thick smoke filled the neighborhood, the FDNY warned residents to avoid the area and expect major traffic delays near College Point Boulevard and 41st Road.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene urged nearby residents to remain indoors, close their windows and limit outdoor activity to reduce smoke exposure. People with asthma or other heart and lung conditions were advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experienced chest pain or difficulty breathing.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.